Kolkata Shuts 13 Hotels, 50 More Face Notices Over Fire Safety Violations

West Bengal authorities have shut 13 hotels in central Kolkata and issued show-cause notices to dozens more over alleged violations of fire safety norms.

The action follows a deadly fire at Shikha Inn Hotel in central Kolkata on Wednesday that killed nine people. Police have arrested the hotel’s leaseholder, while its owner remains absconding. At least 80 people were rescued from the building.

Hotels Face Action Across Kolkata

Officials said hotels on Mirza Ghalib Street, Marquis Street and SN Banerjee Road were among those facing action.

A senior state fire department official said several establishments had allegedly been operating without valid fire licences. In some cases, licences had reportedly expired four to five years ago and were not renewed.

Officials also found inadequate emergency exits, locked emergency gates, poor ventilation, unauthorised changes to floor plans and electricity consumption exceeding approved limits.

At least 29 hotels in other districts of West Bengal have also been served notices over alleged fire safety violations.

Fire Safety Checks Intensified After Deadly Blazes

The inspections were stepped up after two fatal hotel fires in West Bengal within the same week.

The Shikha Inn fire in Kolkata claimed nine lives on Wednesday. Earlier on Monday, a hotel fire in Tarapith, Birbhum district, killed nine people, including two children. Authorities have already shut 15 hotels in Tarapith following the incident.

State Fire Minister Kaushik Chowdhury said inspections would continue and action had also been initiated against some officials, with show-cause notices issued to them.

Government Warns Hotels Over Safety Norms

State Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul said authorities would not allow hotels operating with serious safety deficiencies to continue functioning.

Officials said the ongoing inspections are aimed at identifying establishments that lack proper fire clearances or have failed to comply with prescribed safety requirements.

The latest crackdown has put renewed focus on fire safety in hotels, particularly older and congested buildings where inadequate exits, overcrowding and unauthorised alterations can make evacuation difficult during an emergency.